THE BILLIONAIRE'S CRYBABY
Chapter 23: FRAGRANCE

Chapter 23: FRAGRANCE

"I can’t believe we got this much," Fay said to Marilyn, as they stood at the counter, ready to pay for the clothes.

"I think you should have gotten more. It’s your husband’s money after all," she replied in a teasing voice, making Fay flush.

The bagged clothes were handed to two men who would take it out for them.

"That would be all Mrs. Do have a good day, and I hope you stop by our store again," the pleasant lady over the counter said.

"That’s strange. I’ve not paid for the clothes yet," she countered, looking from Marilyn who was just as confused as she was, to the lady.

"Yeah, that’s because your husband paid already."

"My husband?" Her head went behind her, in search of Ace. "Did you see Ace?" She asked Marilyn.

"Nope." She shook her head.

"I’m sorry ma’am, but I think there’s a mixture somewhere. My husband is at work."

"You’re Mrs Fay right? The handsome man with the English accent, paid for your clothes. I’m so sorry, we thought he was your husband."

"Alexander?" Her eyes widened, as she looked to the older woman for help.

"Is there any way his money can be returned to him? We didn’t ask for our stuff to be paid for." Marilyn quickly stepped in.

"I’m so sorry, but it’s impossible."

"This is very unethical, and we would—" she began to threaten when Fay intercepted.

"There’s no need to cause a scene please. Let’s just leave," she pleaded, dragging Marilyn away.

The men stepped behind them with their packages, as they walked towards the exit.

"You do know it’s not right to let another man pay for your clothes, right?" She leaned into her, and asked.

"I do, but I also don’t want to be the center of attention in this store. Let’s just sort things out in the car, or at home."

The doors opened up for them, and they stepped out to find Cam at the same spot they left him.

He opened the car boot, and the shopping bags were deposited into them. Next, the car doors slid open for them to get in.

They sat, hurdled together, both having panicking thoughts.

"Do you think we should tell—"

"Shhhh," Marilyn gestured with her finger on her lip. To further communicate her point, she tilted her head towards Cam at the driver’s seat, speaking with her eyes.

"Oh," Fay mouthed.

She didn’t know how to handle this situation. Whilst she was appreciative of Alexander’s thoughtfulness, it didn’t quite translate in the ideal world. There was no doubt Ace would be mad when he found out about the payment source of her clothes. Except he didn’t find out about it.

Lowering her head, she turned to Marilyn, an idea bright in her mind. "Do you think I’ll get transaction alerts on my phone?" she lowered her voice, as she asked Marilyn.

"I was thinking the same thing too. If transactions are connected to your phone, there’ll be no need for Sir Ace to find out." She nodded, like they had just discovered something big.

"I know a way we can find out."

"The fragrance store? You still want to get ingredients for your perfume?"

"Yep." She nodded.

"Alright. Hey Cam," her voice rose so he could hear her. "We’re still going to drop by the fragrance store please."

He communicated his awareness, and they visibly relaxed.

Ten minutes later, they pulled into a store with flowers as the design of the entire building.

"Welcome to THE GARDEN." Marilyn clapped excitedly.

Fay inhaled, as they came down from the car. She began to sniff, trying to point out every scent she could perceive.

"It’s gorgeous here, and it smells so good too!"

"Surprisingly, not as good as you smell. Are you going to buy two perfumes and mix them together?"

"Oh no. I just need specific ingredients. You said there are wildflowers in the garden at home, right? When I’m done, you’ll see the result." She didn’t want to give out her secret, so she decided to remain as vague as possible.

"Let’s go in then."

The atmosphere inside the large fragrance filled room was even more vibrant than the one outside. People hopped from stall to stall, sniffing fragrances, and running compatibility tests.

"I hope to have something like this someday," she muttered to herself.

A woman dressed in a flowery gown and a big smile on her face, approached them.

"Hello, and welcome to our store. I’m Jasmin," she said, stretching out her hand for a handshake.

They took turns in shaking her, and exchanging pleasantries.

"I saw you standing around, and thought to make myself available, just in case you need help with anything," she offered, that sweet smile of hers never leaving her face.

"Actually, I need a glass jar, some filters, neutral oil, and maybe some Jasmine too," she chuckled at her last word, and so did the store attendant.

"I see you’re a ’DIY’ girl?" She asked.

"I guess I am." She smiled.

"Is that your perfume I smell on you?"

"Uhhmm, this is actually Chanel, I guess?" She turned to Marilyn.

"Definitely Chanel. I bought it on behalf of the boss."

"No, no. I can smell Chanel. I’m talking of the more subtle, yet very much pronounced note."

"You really can perceive it?" She asked, sniffing her body.

Jasmine laughed. "Of course I can. It’s the best thing I’ve perceived in a while. Really unique."

"You see? I told you," Marilyn added in agreement.

"Thank you," Fay replied shyly.

"Please come with me, and I’ll select a little of everything you need for you."

Thirty minutes later, Fay had gotten everything she needed. It was boxed, and sealed securely, before it was handed over to her.

As she reached her hand to grab it, Marilyn beat her to it. "I’ll hold that for the lady," she said.

Everyone at the counter turned to look at them, jolting up Fay’s anxiety. It didn’t help when she stretched out a black card to pay for her purchase.

There were suddenly mumblings behind her. Her head went to her feet, feeling the very familiar appearance of shame. She hated being talked about. Whether it was good or bad, it just made her feel shitty. She was already okay with the fact she wasn’t born to be in the spotlight, but the spotlight somehow always found her.

"Thanks gorgeous for shopping with us." The card was returned with an invoice.

She accepted the card, and pushed it into her purse. Turning around with her head still buried, she scurried away from the watchful gazes of the people around.

She didn’t look up, until she was inside the car, and Marilyn was beside her. Then she let out a deep breath she’d been holding in.

"What was that about?" Marilyn asked, as they settled in.

"Everyone was looking at me," she said in a shaky voice.

As if sensing they needed some privacy, Cam pulled down the partition, and drove the car out of the fragrance building.

"No they weren’t. Even if they were, it wasn’t in a bad way. I could count ten girls staring at you with envy in their eyes."

Fay let out a dry laugh. It was nice of people trying to make her feel like she was something she wasn’t, but it was time for them to stop. Starting from Marilyn. "Mar, can I call you that?" She asked.

"Sure."

"Thank you. So I’m glad you defend, and side with me, but I know it’s out of obligation. I personally prefer the truth. I’ve lived with the truth all my life. I’d appreciate it if you’re more honest with me henceforth."

"What do you mean?" She asked, extremely confused.

"When you say things like you’re gorgeous, and people are envious of you, it just rings so falsely in my head. That’s not how I see myself. I have red hair and green eyes, with freckles on my cheeks. There’s nothing gorgeous about that. Also, why would anyone be envious of me?"

Marilyn’s heart instantly broke. Now she understood why she always looked uneasy, everytime she was complimented. She truly believed everyone else was lying. Someone must have told her otherwise.

"Mrs Fay," she reached for her hand, but Fay pulled away.

"Please, no more. I’m not any of these things, and I’d appreciate it if it’s not mentioned anymore."

She moved her mouth to counter her self doubts, and tell her how amazing she was, but dropped it because it would be the wrong time to do that.

It wasn’t going to be something that’d change in a day. A prolonged process of brainwashing could never be easily erased. More than ever, she wished her thoughts on her marriage with the boss weren’t true, and that somehow, Ace could heal, and make her see herself the way others did.

The car pulled into the mansion, and came to a stop. Cam dropped, and hurriedly opened Fay’s door.

"Thank you," she muttered, as she stepped out.

But as she went around to the boot of the car, her eyes caught an image of a person ahead. Raising her head up, she saw none other than Ace’s Aunt. Instantly, a cold shiver ran through her, and she froze.